Nantahala National Forest, North Carolinafall foliage
No reports yet this season for Nantahala National Forest.
Right now in Nantahala National Forest · September
17days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by mid-October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 60% chanceSunday, Sunday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 6:23 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Nantahala National Forest
First frost usually in ~2 weeks
Oct 15Average first fall frost
Apr 30Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Highlands station (5.8 mi away, 3,850 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nantahala National Forest through the year
- Wayah Bald road closedJan–Mar
- Spring wildflower trailsMar–May
- Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closedNov–Apr
- Wayehutta off-road area closedDec–Mar
Best spots around Nantahala National Forest
- Cullasaja Gorge7.5 miles of US 64 between Franklin and Highlands
- Dry Falls75-foot falls; the trail goes behind the water
- Bridal Veil Falls120-foot falls, 1.2 miles west of Highlands
Around North Carolina this week
- Pisgah National Forest34 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 18Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Blue Ridge Parkway65 mi · usually Oct 1–31Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Nantahala Ranger District (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Cullasaja Gorge (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, North Carolina seasonal closures (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Whitewater Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Appletree Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wasilik Poplar Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rufus Morgan Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Nantahala National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Nantahala National Forest yet. Statewide for North Carolina: color is usually well under way by mid-October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Nantahala National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 17 days (usually well under way by mid-October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Is parking hard at Dry Falls and Whiteside Mountain?
Yes: parking is very limited, especially on weekends and holidays, and the Forest Service asks visitors to carpool.Source: US Forest Service, Nantahala Ranger District ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Nantahala National Forest?
Cullasaja Gorge: 7.5 miles of US 64 between Franklin and Highlands; Dry Falls: 75-foot falls; the trail goes behind the water; Bridal Veil Falls: 120-foot falls, 1.2 miles west of Highlands.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Nantahala National Forest?
Wayah Bald road closed (Jan–Mar); Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closed (Nov–Apr); Wayehutta off-road area closed (Dec–Mar).
What is Nantahala National Forest like through the year?
Wayah Bald road closed (Jan–Mar), Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closed (Nov–Apr), Wayehutta off-road area closed (Dec–Mar) and Spring wildflower trails (Mar–May).